GRANTS of up to £5,000 are now open South Somerset’s youth groups thanks to the #iwill fund.

Previous beneficiaries of the cash pot include Ilminster Entertainment Society’s Youth Theatre and The Power Through Music project in Taunton.

Groups working with young people who may be eligible to apply for grants from the #iwill fund are encouraged to submit their applications to Somerset Community Foundation by the deadline of May 11.

A spokesman for #iwill said: “The #iwill fund is open for grant applications of £1,000 to £5,000.

“The fund aims to encourage youth social action among young people aged between 10 and 20 years, and up to 25 for disabled young people.

“Social action – such as volunteering, fundraising and campaigning – can develop the skills and knowledge of young people, boosting access to further education, higher education and employment.

“Projects can last up to one year or be one-off events, and repeat funding is a possibility for those who were awarded a grant last year.”

The #iwill fund is created with funding from the UK Government and the Big Lottery Fund.

Somerset Community Foundation need to raise an additional £30,000 to create a pot of £60,000 in total for grant making.

For more, contact Somerset Community Foundation on 01749 344949 or visit info@somersetcf.org.uk, or somersetcf.org.uk/iwill.